At the Movies: The Amityville Horror

This movie gave me goosebumps within the first minute. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George, this movie definitely delivers it's intented payload. There's one phrase that kept going thru my mind as I watched this film:

Holy sh*t!

George and Kathy Luntz buy what they believe to be their dream home only to discover not only was it the location of 6 recent grissly murders, but also the home of an ancient torture chamber housing evil and other restless spirits. 28 days after moving in, they barely escape with their lives never returning for their belongings.

The special effects were original and creative... and down right scary as hell. The cinematography was likewise original and demonstrated the wonderful talent from newcomer director Andrew Douglas. He borrowed a few techniques, but improved upon them admirably. The sound effects were impressive, believable, and added to the atmosphere.

Supposedly a remake of the 1979 movie of the same name, the script was enough removed to show the imagination of Scott Kosar, who also wrote the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, while yet being similar enough to retain it's claim to it's title. We'll be seeing more from this fresh new talent.

The characters were well rounded and fully developed. You get an introduction to the characters that sets up the portrayal of possession convincingly. You watch horrified as George seems to descend into madness, a wonderful performance from the "Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place" star. Melissa George played the concerned mother and wife to the hilt and gave the audience someone to care about and root for as she turns into the unwitting heroine.

I found it to be the scariest movie I'd seen in a long time. You really should catch this one.